Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
William Prior Obituary
Prior, Jr.
AIKEN, SC - After a long and rewarding 88 years of life, Dr. William Franklin Prior, Jr. passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2014 surrounded by his family.
He resided in Aiken, South Carolina, where he shared a beautiful life for 64 years with his wife, Betty Lou Baker Prior, and their five children, Linda Hunley (Sam) of Aiken; Judy Plott (David) of Annapolis, MD; Bill Prior (Claire) of Richmond, VA; Bruce Prior of Aiken; and Betty Newville (Ed) of Placitas, NM; ten grandchildren, Josh Skeen, Matt Hunley, Betty Gorinson, Michael Hunley, Cara Plott, Corey Boyer, Ford Prior, Morgan Prior, Jessie Newville, and Christine Newville; and two great-grandchildren, Amelia Boyer and Thaddeus Prior.
Frank Prior was born on October 27, 1926 in Dublin, Georgia, the son of the late William Franklin Prior and Jessie Wilkes Prior. He earned his medical degree from Emory University and became a decorated US Marine Corps officer in command of a medical field unit during the Korean War. He began his civilian medical practice of over 30 years in Graniteville, South Carolina, and served the Aiken County communities as a general practitioner, general surgeon, and anesthesiologist.
It brought him great joy to help others and to be of service to his community and country. He had an enduring passion for learning and sharing ideas about our world. He was cherished by his family and friends for his kindness, his vast intellect, his energetic nature, his originality, and his unforgettable spirit.
A celebration of Dr. Prior's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 28 at the Aiken Outing Club. A future interment service at Arlington National Cemetery is planned.
Memorials should be made to the ALS Association: http://www.alsa.org/donate
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Prior
William H Shuman
October 26, 2020
Frank Prior was a very close teenage friend.
Bill Shuman, age 94, Athens, GA.
Pam Augspurger
November 24, 2014
Such a gentle soul and great man. Dr. Prior was so good to my grandparents, especially in their later years. And back before the days of call waiting, he would have to tell me and Betty to get off the phone when he was on call. I can still hear his gentle voice. The entire Prior family holds a special place in my heart. Hugs and prayers to you all.
November 17, 2014
I am saddened that I never had the chance to meet you. Jennie Gray spoke of you so highly.
Bruce Mulligan
November 17, 2014
To all the Prior family and friends I offer my condolences. Dr. Prior was a fine man and I know that you will miss him terribly. My thoughts are with you.
Marianne Mowry Gardner and Larry Gardner
Wanda Shealy
November 17, 2014
Dr. Prior was such a good friend that we made exercising at the USCA Wellness Center. He will be greatly missed. May the Lord bless the family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Alvin and Wanda Shealy
James Ford
November 15, 2014
I am so sorry for the Prior Family. Your Husband, Father, Grandfather, and great grandfather was a great man and Doctor. He operatored on Me for appendices in 1963 when I was only 20 years old and He was our only Dr. for many years. He a great man
November 14, 2014
Dear Prior Family,
Your Dad meant so much to our family. Of course he took care of all of us and he was such a good friend to our Mom and both of our Dads. Never knew when he would just pop in to see them and it was such a joy to see his face.
We certainly have your family in our thoughts and he will be greatly missed.
With love,
Carol Willis Smith
November 14, 2014
Doctor Prior delivered me and continued to be our family doctor for many years, even after I was married! He was loved by so many and was such a kind and gentle man... Graniteville was so blessed to have such a fine man to be our town doctor... God bless the beautiful family he left behind. Gwen Proctor
Barkwell (Bart) Hurt
November 14, 2014
Saved my life in March 1961. I was bleeding to death from a ruptured spleen owing to an accident in LMHS gym. Thanks will never be enough..
Barbara Smith-Dawkins
November 14, 2014
Thoughts are with the family at this time of loss
Janette Carter
November 14, 2014
Dr. Prior will be missed. He served the people of the valley for many years. He was a caring doctor who went above and beyond when caring for his patients. Prayers for the whole family.
Terry Carpenter Sebenoler
November 14, 2014
Thank you for taking care of our family.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in William Prior's name
Memorial Events
for William Prior
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Prior's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
